Easy DIY All Purpose Cleaner Recipe That Works (No Vinegar!)

This post is about the best DIY all purpose cleaner recipe.

As a mom who’s constantly watching little ones (and cleaning up their messes!), the struggle is real with cleaning. I’m always looking for cleaning solutions that are effective, safe for the family, and aren’t filled with toxic ingredients.

That’s why I’m beyond excited to share my holy grail DIY all purpose cleaner recipe.

The best part? It only needs TWO ingredients that you probably already have. No vinegar or harsh chemicals.

This all purpose cleaner is a game-changer, seriously. It’s super easy to make, budget-friendly, and it works like a charm on everything from sticky countertops to bathroom grime. Plus, it leaves your home smelling really fresh and clean.

So if you’re ready to make your homemade cleaner, I’ll show you how to whip up your own batch of this easy DIY cleaner in just minutes.

Benefits of Using a DIY All Purpose Cleaner

Here’s why you’ll absolutely love this easy, homemade all purpose cleaner solution:

Budget Friendly

• Saves Money: Store-bought cleaners can get expensive, but this DIY version is incredibly affordable. I love that the ingredients are inexpensive and readily available at your local Walmart or grocery store.
• Multi-Purpose: This cleaner isn’t just for countertops! You can use it on most surfaces around your home, replacing multiple specialized cleaners and saving you even more money in the long run.

Healthier Home

• No More Nasty Chemicals: Say goodbye to those harsh chemicals with unpronounceable names that lurk in most store-bought cleaners. This DIY cleaner is made with simple, recognizable ingredients that you can feel good about using around your home.
• Breathe Easy: No more holding your breath while you clean! This cleaner is free of harsh fumes and irritating fragrances, making it a safer choice for your family’s respiratory health.
• Gentle on Sensitive Skin: Many commercial cleaners can irritate delicate skin, but this DIY version is gentle and non-toxic. It’s perfect for those of us with sensitive skin or allergies.

Environmental Benefits:

• Reduces Waste: By making your own cleaner, you’re reducing plastic waste from single-use bottles. Plus, all the ingredients are biodegradable, so you’re not harming the environment.
• Non-Toxic: Traditional cleaners can contain chemicals that are harmful to waterways and ecosystems. This DIY recipe is a planet-friendly alternative.

Personalized Cleaning Experience:

• Choose Your Scents: Customize your cleaner with your favorite essential oils. Create a calming lavender spray for the bedroom, an energizing lemon scent for the kitchen, or a refreshing tea tree blend for the bathroom.
• Control the Strength: You can easily adjust the concentration of ingredients to create a cleaner that’s perfect for your specific needs.

Ready to experience the benefits of this amazing DIY cleaner for yourself? Let’s get to the super easy step-by-step recipe!

Must Have Ingredients for Your DIY All Purpose Cleaner Recipe

This all-purpose cleaner is so simple, you only need TWO ingredients (plus a few optional extras for a boost of cleaning power or a nice scent).

And the best part? No vinegar needed! While vinegar is a great cleaner, it can be a bit harsh on certain surfaces like granite or marble. So, we’re skipping it altogether in this recipe.

Here’s everything you’ll for your DIY all purpose cleaner recipe. (Printable recipe below)

Ingredients

Distilled Water, 2 cups – This is your base. Tap water can leave mineral deposits, so distilled is the way to go for a streak-free shine. You can usually find it in the bottled water aisle of your grocery store, or grab a few gallons here for convenience.

Castile Soap, 1 tablespoon – This plant-based soap is a multitasking hero. It’s gentle yet effective and comes in a variety of scents (or unscented if you prefer). I personally love Dr. Bronner’s, and one bottle will make hundreds of batches of this all purpose cleaner!

Essential Oils (15-20 drops), optional) – These essential oils add a nice scent and can even boost your cleaner’s cleaning power. Lemon, lavender, tea tree, and orange are some of my favorites for all purpose cleaner.

Tools

Spray Bottle – A 16 oz glass spray bottle is ideal, but a clean, repurposed plastic one will also work. If you’re looking for a stylish upgrade, I love these amber glass bottles—they look so chic on my countertop! 

Funnel – Makes it easier to pour the cleaner into the spray bottle without spilling. A handy funnel set is available here.

Measuring Cups – Ensures you get the right proportions for each ingredient. If you need a reliable set, try these measuring cups.

That’s it! You likely have most of these items on hand already. Now, let’s get to the fun part – making your own cleaner!

Easy DIY All Purpose Cleaner Recipe: Step-by-Step Guide

Alright, it’s time to mix up your ingredients! This recipe is so simple, you’ll wonder why you ever bought store-bought cleaners in the first place.

Here is how to make your at home all purpose cleaner:

1. Grab Your Spray Bottle: Make sure your spray bottle is clean and dry. A 16 oz bottle is perfect for this recipe, but you can adjust the amounts if you have a different size.
2. Pour the Water: Pour two cups of distilled water into your spray bottle.
3. Add the Soap: Add 1 tablespoon of castile soap into the bottle. If you prefer a stronger cleaning solution, an additional tablespoon of soap, but start with less and adjust as needed.
4. Essential Oil Boost (Optional): If you’re using essential oils, now is the time to add them! I usually add 15-20 drops, but this depends on how strong you want the scent to be. A few drops of lemon essential oil can help cut through grease, while lavender or tea tree oil can provide additional antibacterial properties.
5. Shake It Up: Put the lid on your spray bottle and give it a good shake to combine all the ingredients.
6. You’re Ready to Clean! Spray your homemade cleaner on surfaces and wipe clean with a cloth or sponge. For tougher messes, let the cleaner sit for a few minutes before wiping. Don’t forget to give the bottle a little shake before each use, as the ingredients can separate.

And there you have it! Your very own super easy DIY all purpose cleaner that’s safe, effective, and smells amazing.

Best Essential Oil Combinations for DIY All Purpose Cleaner Recipe

• Citrus Burst: Lemon (10 drops) + Orange (5 drops) + Grapefruit (5 drops): This uplifting blend is perfect for kitchens and bathrooms. It not only smells amazing but also helps cut through grease and grime.
• Calming Lavender: Lavender (15 drops) + Lemon (5 drops): A soothing and relaxing scent that’s ideal for bedrooms and living areas. Lavender is known for its calming properties, while lemon adds a fresh, clean note.
• Purifying Power: Tea Tree (10 drops) + Lemon (5 drops) + Peppermint (5 drops): This powerful combination is great for disinfecting and deodorizing. Tea tree oil is a natural antifungal and antibacterial agent, while lemon and peppermint add a refreshing scent.
• Herbal Harmony: Lavender (10 drops) + Rosemary (5 drops) + Eucalyptus (5 drops): This grounding blend is perfect for creating a spa-like atmosphere in your home. Lavender promotes relaxation, rosemary is known for its invigorating properties, and eucalyptus can help clear the airways.

I hope this helps you create a DIY all purpose cleaner that smells amazing and cleans like a dream!

How to Use Your Homemade All Purpose Cleaner

Now that you’ve whipped up your own batch of this amazing cleaner, let’s dive into some tips and tricks to make the most of it your DIY all purpose cleaner recipe.

General Cleaning

• Shake, Shake, Shake: Before each use, give your bottle a good shake to re-combine the ingredients.
• Spray and Wipe: Apply the cleaner directly to surfaces and wipe with a microfiber cleaning cloth like these for a streak-free finish. 
• Versatile Cleaning: This cleaner works wonders on a variety of surfaces, including countertops, appliances, floors, doorknobs, light switches, and even toys!

Specific Uses

• Sticky Situations: For sticky messes like dried-on food or fingerprints, spray generously and let the cleaner sit for a few minutes before wiping with a non-scratch scrubbing sponge. 
• Bathroom: Use this cleaner to shine faucets, clean mirrors, disinfect toilets, and wipe down counters. The essential oils will leave your bathroom smelling fresh and clean. For extra scrubbing power in the shower, use a natural bristle brush. 

Safety Tips

• Patch Test: Always test your cleaner on a hidden area of a new surface before using it more widely.
• Don’t Mix: Never mix this cleaner with bleach or other cleaning products, as this can create dangerous fumes.

Storage Tips

• Keep it Cool and Dark: Store your cleaner in a cool, dark place, like a pantry or cupboard. This will help it last longer and prevent the essential oils from degrading. These dark amber glass bottles are the ones I use to store the cleaner, as they help protect the ingredients from light exposure.

By following these tips and using the right tools, you’ll get the most out of your DIY all-purpose cleaner and keep your home sparkling clean in a safe, healthy, and eco-friendly way!

Conclusion

There you have it! Your very own DIY all-purpose cleaner recipe that’s easy, effective, and smells amazing. It’s a small but powerful step towards a healthier and non-toxic home.

But this is just the beginning! By making your own cleaning products, you’re not only saving money and reducing waste, you’re also taking control of what you bring into your home and expose your family to. It’s a win-win-win situation!

So go ahead, give this recipe a try, and see the difference it makes in your cleaning routine. And when you’re ready to take the next step, be sure to check out my other DIY cleaning recipes and non-toxic living tips.

I’d love to hear how your cleaner turns out! Share your thoughts, experiences, and favorite essential oil combinations in the comments below.

DIY All Purpose Cleaner Recipe FAQ

Do homemade cleaners really work?

Absolutely! While they may not have the flashy marketing of store-bought brands, homemade cleaners can be just as effective, if not more so.

The ingredients in this DIY all-purpose cleaner recipe (castile soap and optional essential oils) have natural cleaning and disinfecting properties that can tackle different kinds of messes.

Plus, you can adjust the strength and scent to suit your specific needs, something you can’t do with a pre-made product.

What is the best DIY all purpose cleaner recipe?

There are many great DIY cleaner recipes out there, but this one is my absolute favorite for its simplicity, effectiveness, and versatility. The combination of water and castile soap creates a powerful cleaning duo that can tackle everything from sticky countertops to bathroom grime.

Plus, the addition of essential oils not only adds an amazing scent but can also boost the cleaning power of the solution. If you’re looking for a natural, non-toxic, and budget-friendly cleaner that actually works, this recipe is a winner.

Is it cheaper to make your own cleaner?

Yes, it’s significantly cheaper to make your own cleaner! The ingredients in this recipe are inexpensive and readily available, often already in your home.

Compared to the cost of buying multiple specialized cleaners, making your own all-purpose cleaner can save you a considerable amount of money over time.

This post was about the best DIY all purpose cleaner recipe.